Gangrene occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to tissue, depriving it of oxygen, and thereby causing death and decay of the tissue. The two types of gangrene are wet (caused by bacterial infection) and dry (no infection). Most common causes of gangrene are diabetes, arteriosclerosis, tobacco abuse, burns, and frostbite.

Treatment for gangrene includes surgical removal of the dead tissue and use of antibiotics when infection is present.